CHAPIN, S.C. — The search is still on for 45-year-old Nicholas Hamlett, an "armed and dangerous" murder suspect out of Tennessee, who was reportedly last seen in the town of Chapin.
Residents in the area say they're concerned.
Chapin resident Stan Bugner says he learned the news of a murder suspect on the loose in his area late Thursday night, leading him to turn on his security system.
“When you have somebody that's done something wrong, especially murdering somebody, it makes you a little uncomfortable, especially at night, you know? You feel like somebody could sneak up," Bugner said. "We live right outside of town, in a kind of rural setting, so that makes you feel a little more vulnerable than you would otherwise.”
Hamlett is wanted out of Tennessee for a killing that took place back on Oct. 18 in Monroe County, where authorities believe he killed a hiker and then stole his identity. Police there describe him as a dangerous person with a violent criminal history.
News19 contacted the US Marshals Service, which is the lead investigator on this case. They say Hamlett has ties to the Columbia area but was believed to have been seen in Chapin last night.
“We recommend they stay vigilant out there. He is possibly hiding in the wooded areas, even more likely to try to get into abandoned houses and campers,” said U.S. Marshal Carlos Flores, Deputy Commander of the Carolinas Region Fugitive Task Force.
With a connection to the area, Flores is urging residents beyond Chapin to stay vigilant and lock their doors.
“At this point, he does have ties in the city of Columbia. During our investigation, we developed some information that he was possibly in the Chapin area. The main source of his connection is in the city of Columbia, so we do advise the whole Midlands area to be on the look out for this guy,” Flores said.
The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous and has a history of being violent. He commonly uses the alias "Nic Hamlett."
Law enforcement says anyone who sees Hamlett should not approach him. Instead, call 9-1-1 immediately.